As data becomes increasingly digital, are Business Cards becoming obsolete? With the entire hullabaloo (and yes, I’ve been anxiously waiting to use that word on SheBytes for months now!), about the digitization of the business card, and the possibility of About.me making the traditional business card obsolete, I found it an apt opportunity to lend some of my input.

Whether the business card will actually no longer be relevant, in the future is impossible to say, but I am certain that business cards are still integral in the professional community today.

So when I ran into a great infographic on Business Cards Online, I just had to borrow some of their creative and incredibly insightful images

Despite the growing involvement and reliance upon social media, it is crucial in the corporate environment, to really maximize and fulfill the potential of that small square of paper, for a couple of reasons:

No matter what somebody tells you, your business card is your most valuable networking asset.

Because people always receive your card after meeting you face to face; a compelling card is the key to continuing that relationship, after you’ve parted.

If somebody is shopping around for whatever service or product your company offers, obviously they aren’t going to make that decision based on business card design, but your card will remind them of your personality, your warmth, your professionalism and your drive.

Similarly, when someone is seeking a job and interviewing for a handful of positions at different companies, they will hearken back, not only to what your company has to offer, but to what you as an individual are like; which must be relayed through your business card.

So most of all, remember that even more than a Resume’, the business card is a representation of who you are, and why you’re important. That being said make sure to do something that’s fun, to the point and memorable, like SheBytes’ intern Jesse’s brand new card below:

Looking for the best business card? Given our trying economic times; there’s nothing like a fancy business card to set you apart during the interview process. That was in part, the inspiration for the design above; the business card of the future; neatly equipped with a USB plug!

Ramiro Pareja Veredas, a Spanish telecommunications engineer, has created this bold new take on the traditional business card. When you plug it in via USB, a computer will recognize it as a mass storage unit and will automatically open a resume, cover letter, portfolio, website, vCard or any other document.

Sure, it’s not the cheapest business card; but if you’re looking to impress, this card will be difficult to top.